WEST END, Grand Bahama Island –Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt’s fundraising fishing tournament to benefit cystic fibrosis returns to Old Bahama Bay by Ginn sur Mer from May 15-17.

The former professional baseball player, who played his entire career for the Philadelphia Phillies, launched the Mike Schmidt Winner’s Circle Invitational in 2001 in honor of Brett Weinstein, the son of a close friend who passed away after a 20-year battle with cystic fibrosis.

In its eighth year, the Mike Schmidt Winner’s Circle Invitational has raised more than $1 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to finding a cure for the hereditary disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of more than 70,000 children and adults worldwide.

“We are pleased that Mike and his friends are committed to helping change the lives of thousands of young people who have cystic fibrosis,” said Marie Cook, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Tournament Coordinator. “What better place to guarantee a successful tournament than at Old Bahama Bay.”

More than 35 boats are participating in this year’s tournament, with returning participants receiving preference. Contestants are asked to attend a meeting that details tournament rules at Old Bahama Bay on May 14.

Weigh-ins are scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with an awards banquet to be held Saturday evening.   The tournament is sponsored by Ginn sur Mer, Deutsche Bank, Everglades by Dougherty, Stihl, Peel Graphics, Doyle Insurance Planning, Custom Building Products, Daltile, Schumacher and Power Design Incorporated.

“Old Bahama Bay by Ginn sur Mer is delighted to be a sponsor and host of the Mike Schmidt Winner’s Circle Foundation once again as the Foundation continues to raise funds for research towards finding a cure,” said Bob van Bergen, Vice President and General Manager of Old Bahama Bay by Ginn sur Mer.